U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, as the island nation faces a deepening economic crisis. The comments, made Friday, represent some of the most detailed remarks he has given regarding the situation in Cuba.
“They have massive problems, and I think we could do something good, very positive for the people who have been driven out, or those who are worse off, living in Cuba,” Trump said. “You know, we have people who want to get back to Cuba,” he added.
“You can very well complete up with a friendly takeover of Cuba,” he continued. The development underscores the increasingly assertive U.S. Policy toward Havana.
The United States began an energy blockade against Cuba in January, citing the communist island, located roughly 135 miles from the Florida coast, as an “exceptional threat” to U.S. National security. Washington is blocking nearly all oil shipments to the island and increasing pressure on its communist government.
“Cuba must radically change, since that is its only chance to improve the quality of life of its people. The Cuban people have been suffering for a long time, and the responsibility for that lies with the authorities and the government,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
